I bought the Canon label version of this monopod, complete with a tiny ball head. The pod is probably as light as it gets at this price range. The quick flip clasps are entirely plastic, but they are tight enough to make sure the sections don't accidentally slip back inside. The hand grip is a foam tube with no glue attached, so if you exert downward pressure while gripping it, it will slowly slide down. The leg is aluminum, so don't expect it to hold anything too heavy, though my 20D+100-400L rests comfortably on top of it (that's probably the limit though). In all, it's a cheap pod, but it provides great value for those that do not rely on it for heavy gear support.